Syria raises fuel prices as protests break out across governorates

Syria has raised the prices of petroleum derivatives by 25 to 40 percent, prompting street protests in several governorates over the higher costs.

• Syria's Permanent Committee for Petroleum Product Prices raised fuel prices effective Sunday, lifting 95-octane gasoline to 195 Syrian pounds per liter from 152.
• Protests erupted in several Syrian governorates on Sunday, with demonstrators blocking roads in objection to the increase.
• The Ministry of Energy attributed the rise to an exceptional increase in global securing costs and the Banias refinery maintenance, describing the adjustment as temporary.
• Youssef Qablawi, chief executive of the Syrian Petroleum Company, said the Banias works aim to lift the refinery's capacity from about 80,000 to about 130,000 barrels per day.
• The Ministry of Energy noted Syria needs about 300,000 barrels of oil and derivatives daily against local production of some 100,000 barrels.
• The new price list also set diesel at 175 Syrian pounds per liter, alongside the 95-octane gasoline increase.
• Experts warned the fuel-price rise could cut production and worsen hardship for millions of Syrians.